Gulf Central Early Steps

03/02/2026

Milestone Monday

🌟 Is your little one reaching their milestones? 🌟

Parents often wonder what to expect when it comes to their child’s development
Babies and toddlers grow and develop at their own pace, but there are certain activities – such as smiling for the first time, standing and taking their first steps – that your child should be able to do once they reach specific ages. These skills are called developmental milestones. If you’re worried your child is not developing these skills on time, Early Steps can help.

You can find our Developmental Milestone Guide at:https://floridaearlysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ES_MilestoneDevelopmentGuide_English_sm.pdf

Florida’s Early Steps Program provides early intervention services to eligible infants and toddlers, from birth to 36-months, with developmental delays, disabilities and at-risk conditions. Children can be referred to Early Steps in various ways. Referrals can be submitted by anyone involved in the care of the child, including parents/caregivers and physicians. To be enrolled in Early Steps, your child must first be found eligible.

Make a referral today!
🔗 Online: https://floridaearlysteps.com/make-a-referral/

You can also reach us at our local office by contacting the Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida’s Gulf Central Early Steps at:
📞 Call: 941-487-5400
🔗 Online: Early Steps Gulf Central and Southwest Florida - Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida

Because every milestone matters! 💕

01/26/2026

🌟 Families with little ones turning 3 before December 31, 2026 🌟
If you want to explore the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) — also known as the Unique Abilities Scholarship, this might be helpful for you.

📅 Applications are scheduled to open February 1 for Step Up For Students and AAA Scholarship Foundation!

To help families get ready, Step Up For Students is hosting live Zoom trainings for new applicants to walk through the application process and answer questions:

🖥️ New Application Trainings
📍 Tuesday, Jan. 27 – 12 PM, 3 PM, 6 PM ET
📍 Thursday, Jan. 29 – 2 PM, 5 PM ET
📍 Friday, Jan. 30 – 12 PM, 4 PM ET (Spanish sessions only)

✨ Families do not need to apply to attend a training — these sessions are just to help you understand the process and prepare.

👉 Register here: https://events.zoom.us/ev/Atw1UFm-DXVC1bcD_aBe-3OfzWWj0aZJAJkzZdHnx0seMhmqb_TR~AnNyPEjH0chyYpCGvBCGhFj5GpgSG__a1kWLwUuHT6N8lq28UTwv0_NTtA?lmt=1764607055000&utm_campaign=29764385-Scholarship%20Applications%202026-27%20Conversions&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--BivuBLk6Im5SVBgTYJTR9L4P3bV_n2X2tJhMk6nifjGilK3L-Kxr-zr-Hk9CUo2JiYdCra7FbkEHWJvS8m5f91DtKeA&_hsmi=400085874&utm_content=400085874&utm_source=hs_email

This scholarship can help families access educational services and supports as children transition out of Early Steps. If you think this might be a good fit for your family, we strongly encourage attending one of the trainings to learn more!

💙

11/15/2025

🎶 ¡Únase a nosotros para Musical Motion con Sensibilidad Sensorial! 🎶
Sesiones gratuitas de juego y aprendizaje para niños que prosperan en un ambiente tranquilo y delicado.
Nuestro próximo grupo de juego Musical Motion Sensibilidad Sensorial se acerca:
📅 Martes, 18 de noviembre
🕙 10:00–11:00 AM
📍 Sala de Conferencias de Gulf Central Early Steps 4630 17th St. Sarasota, FL 34235
Esta sesión especial está diseñada para niños con sensibilidades sensoriales. Las familias pueden esperar:
✨ Iluminación suave y poco ruido
✨ Grupos pequeños
✨ Movimiento calmante y actividades prácticas
✨ Apoyos visuales para ayudar con las transiciones
✨ Un espacio acogedor, sin juicios, para aprender y jugar
💛 Solo quedan dos clases este año:
• 18 de noviembre
• 16 de diciembre
¡Su participación nos ayuda a continuar ofreciendo estos grupos de juego en el próximo año—nos encantaría verlos allí!
Si desea obtener más información sobre los servicios de Early Steps, comuníquese con nuestra Coordinadora de Ingreso al 941-487-5400 o visite FloridaEarlySteps.com.
¡Esperamos que usted y su pequeño puedan acompañarnos! 🎵💛

10/28/2025

🌟 You’re Invited!

Join Early Steps for an informative virtual workshop presented by Mrs. Lisa Matt, Director of the Family S.T.A.R. Program at the Family Network on Disabilities.

Topic: Being the Best Champion for Your Loved One and Family

🗓 Date: October 29, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Location: Virtual – Join via Zoom

To register, please visit the registration link below: 👇
🔗 https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/fkH_JjnrQYKFkrlSmTl16g

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn valuable tools and strategies to support your family!

09/22/2025

Milestone Monday
🌟 Is your little one reaching their milestones? 🌟

Parents often wonder what to expect when it comes to their child’s development

Babies and toddlers grow and develop at their own pace, but there are certain activities – such as smiling for the first time, standing and taking their first steps – that your child should be able to do once they reach specific ages. These skills are called developmental milestones. If you’re worried your child is not developing these skills on time, Early Steps can help.
https://floridaearlysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ES_MilestoneDevelopmentGuide_English_sm.pdf

Florida’s Early Steps Program provides early intervention services to eligible infants and toddlers, from birth to 36-months, with developmental delays, disabilities and at-risk conditions. Children can be referred to Early Steps in various ways. Referrals can be submitted by anyone involved in the care of the child, including parents/caregivers and physicians. To be enrolled in Early Steps, your child must first be found eligible.

Make a referral today!
🔗 Online: https://floridaearlysteps.com/make-a-referral/
📞 Call: 941-487-5400

Because every milestone matters! 💕

08/23/2025

🌟 A big thank you to The Healthy Start Coalition of Hardee, Highlands and Polk Counties for inviting Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida's Gulf Central Early Steps to be a part of your incredible Highlands County Bumps and Babies Community Baby Shower at the Sebring Civic Center! 📚🍼🏐

It was wonderful connecting with families and sharing resources to promote the healthy development of our little ones. If you have concerns about your child’s development, don’t hesitate to reach out and make a referral to Gulf Central Early Steps—we’re here to help!

Make a referral today!
📞 Call: 941-487-5400
Visit us at hpcswf.com/early-steps-program

&Babies

08/19/2025

When it comes to your child’s growth and development, you’re not alone
Florida’s Early Steps program is here to help. We work closely with your family to provide early intervention services where your child lives, learns and plays.

Early Steps supports families and gives parents the confidence to advocate for their child. We understand that each child is unique, which is why we build on their individual strengths to form a plan that evolves as your child grows and develops.

Learn about Early Steps and early intervention services for children with developmental delays, disabilities and at-risk conditions.

08/05/2025

📢 New Temporary Online Referral Option Available

While we await a resolution with our usual online referral system, the Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida’s Gulf Central & Southwest Florida Early Steps has created a HIPAA-compliant online referral link to ensure families and community partners can continue making referrals quickly and conveniently.

🌐 To make a referral:
Visit our website ➡️ https://hpcswf.com/programs/early-steps
Click "Referral Form" to submit a referral for a child between birth and their third birthday residing in:
📍 Manatee
📍 Sarasota
📍 Charlotte
📍 Lee
📍 Collier
📍 Highlands
📍 Hardee
📍 DeSoto
📍 Hendry
📍 Glades

Once our usual online referral platform is restored, we will update the link on our website so the process remains seamless for families and community partners.

💙 Thank you for your patience and partnership as we work to keep services accessible for the children and families in our community!

The Florida Early Intervention System, through collaborative community partnerships and investments, ensures that infants and toddlers with special needs and their families achieve their full potential.

08/01/2025

Family Event!

07/11/2025

Know Your Rights with Gulf Central Early Steps! 🏡👶
Did you know that as a parent, you have important rights when it comes to your child’s early intervention services? 🌟
📢 Learn More About Your Rights:
📌 Florida Early Steps: Your Rights https://floridaearlysteps.com/your-rights/
📌 IDEA Part C Federal Regulations: https://sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/c
🎥 Watch this video to learn more!
📺 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCZHlkRzSko&feature=youtu.be
🔍 Every baby develops at their own pace, but if you're concerned about your child’s development, Gulf Central Early Steps is here to help!
Make a referral today!
📞 Call: 941-487-5400